Spring garage sale guide

Yardsale Painting (BUDDY NORRIS, Daily Press…)

April 12, 2011|By Nicole Paitsel, npaitsel@dailypress.com | 247-4737

For second-hand shoppers, the spring is the time to hunt.

Hundreds started off this year's yard sale season during the annual Kingsmill community sale in March. Held in the overflow parking lot for Busch Gardens, the sale featured more than 100 Kingsmill families hawking their used goods. It's a prime example of why neighborhood sales are beloved — less gas and less time to access more deals.

Here is our guide to the rest of the season's neighborhood yard sales.

April

April 16: York County has two large neighborhood sales on the books. The Greenlands Homeowners Association — located on Long Green Boulevard — and the Yorkshire Downs Master Association on York Downs Drive both have community sales scheduled. Both communities boast more than 300 homes, and sales are held at individual residences.

Organizers for the Landings at Langley in Hampton say they plan to host several community sales this year. The first will be held this Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Addresses for participating homes will be posted on the neighborhood's Facebook page and langleyfamilyhousing.com.Apri

In Williamsburg, the Scotts Pond development on Olde Town Road also will host a neighborhood sale. Port Warwick residents in Newport News are considering a community sale this day as well.

April 30: The Southall Landing neighborhood in Hampton will host its sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

May

Bedside alarms will ring often in May for the most avid bargain hunters.

May 7: The Riverdale neighborhood in Hampton will host its community sale. Organizers say that more than 50 homeowners typically participate. Maps of the neighborhood will be available at several locations. Also the York Meadows neighborhood in York County is also planning its sale this day.

May 14: More than 100 families are expected to participate in Coventry's annual community sale in York County. Maps are available in the neighborhood association's office, and about a dozen families usually congregate in the clubhouse parking lot to sell their wares in one spot.

The Malvern neighborhood near the Fox Hill area of Hampton will host a two-day sale on May 13 and 14 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

May 21: It's a double whammy for shoppers in Hilton Village this day. The Newport News neighborhood will host its community yard sale at the same time as the Hilton Village Woman's Club annual rummage sale. The rummage sale will take place at the club house, located at 87 Main St. Most shoppers choose one spot to park and then navigate the sales on foot. Look for deals between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Residents of Old Wythe in Hampton also will host their popular sale this Saturday. Savvy shoppers like this sale for its size and neighborhood friendliness. Regulars say that many shoppers navigate the closely situated houses with wagons trailing behind them.

Later this year

July 9: The Dandy community in Yorktown will host its sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The community is too large to shop on foot, so plan to drive to each participating house.

October: The large Kiln Creek community in Newport News and York County hosted its spring sale on April 2, but the neighborhood typically schedules a fall sale for some time in October.

November: Ann Brown-Hailey says she likes the Williamsburg United Methodist Church Bazaar, which takes place every other year. This year's sale is scheduled for Nov. 5.

"The bazaar takes place every other year and there are attic treasures, silent auction, jewelry, books and toys," she says. "I always find great things and the prices are excellent."

What to buy

In addition to finding great bargains for yourself, yard sales are a great way to be charitable. Here are some ideas:

• Look for men's and women's professional attire to donate to homeless shelters for those who may need a spruced up look to go on job interviews.

• Many local charities host fundraisers and raffles. Look for items that might make a good prize for such an activity.

• Local social workers can always find a use for kids' clothes and backpacks.

• Pick up a few toys in good condition and save them for Christmastime charities. The same goes for books.